Senior Sunrise Harding Charter Prep has started a new event to welcome incoming seniors. Page 8
Know someone who is doing good in the community and deserves a pat on the back? Nominate them for the Shine a Light award sponsored by Shine window cleaning. Send a photo and a couple of paragraphs about their accomplishments to rose@okcfriday.com. They will be featured in a future edition.
OKC FRIDAY Vol. 53 No. 19 • Two Sections • 20 Pages September 13, 2019
www.okcfriday.com facebook.com/okcfriday OKC’s only locally-owned legal newspaper with all local news Serving Oklahoma City, Nichols Hills, The Village, Quail Creek, The Greens and Gaillardia for 45 years
OKLAHOMA DERBY CHARITY GALA Event to benefit Remington’s partner charities By Rose Lane Editor Remington Park’s 11 partner charities will benefit from the Oklahoma Derby Charity Gala, set for 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26. Guests can enjoy dinner, a silent auction and live racing. Auction items include a suite night at the races at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas, a $600 gift certificate to Gabriella’s Italian Grill, a fly along with the Oklahoma City Police Department’s helicopter patrol, works of art and more. Tickets are $100 per individual or $1,250 for a table of 10. The event is part of Oklahoma Derby Week, which is highlighted by a variety of events and world-class horse racing. “This is one of the busiest weeks at the track and it’s a prime opportunity to raise awareness and funds for our charity partners,” said Scott Wells,
Village weighs options for shelter’s future By Ashley Haley Staff Writer
Children, Freedom School Oklahoma City, Good Shepherd Clinic, Horse and Hound Rescue, Foundation, Kids Joining Eternity, The Oklahoma City Police Department’s Family Awareness and
After a group of The Village residents, who have since established the Village Animal League, voiced concerns regarding conditions at the animal shelter last month, the city considers two options for improvement: maintaining the facility or contracting with Oklahoma City. At Tuesday’s city council meeting, The Village city intern Christina Meyers gave a presentation recommending that the city enter a contract with OKC Animal Welfare to manage the animal shelter. Meyers said working with OKC will allow the shelter to be fully staffed with professionals with a veterinarian on site, have a platform for rescue and volunteers, a “thriving” adoption program, a community cat program, immediate sterilization when an owner reclaims a pet and keep costs under $75 per animal. “Obviously we do have some concerns. Specifically, with the passionate volunteer group that we have here in The Village,” she said. “The residents of The Village are incredibly passionate about their people, their neighborhood and their community.” “This is one of the things we’re looking at when we’re considering contracting out. If we do contract out, I would recommend bringing the volunteer group into that plan.” Meyers said if the city decided to work with OKC, she would also recommend that any animal brought into the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter would ultimately be given to
See GALA, Page 12
See VILLAGE, Page 3
- Photo by Ron Vavak
Scott Wells, Remington Park president and general manager, helps set the table for the Oklahoma Derby Charity Gala, set for Thursday, Sept. 26.
Remington Park president and general manager. “Remington Park attracts more than 2 million people per year from all over the state and region because of the experiences we offer. Participating in any of the Oklahoma Derby
week events provides a unique opportunity, while helping nonprofits that benefit the welfare of people and animals in our state.” The 2019-2020 Remington Park charity partners include: Autism Oklahoma, Citizens Caring for
FRIDAY’s
Dog of the Week This is 10-year-old Hank who lives with Tom and Jan Woodward in Deer Creek. He is a loving 80-pound yellow lab, and is patiently waiting for a dog treat. Email Dog of the Week, Baby of the Week and Cat of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday.com. Submissions are used in the order they are received.
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Nichols Hills Public Works really a hardworking family By Ashley Haley Staff Writer With only 26 employees to maintain the city’s streets, water, sewers, code enforcement, sanitation and more, the Nichols Hills Public Works Department works hard daily to improve the city’s infrastructure. Nichols Hills Public Works Director Randy Lawrence describes the department as a close-knit family who strives to satisfy residents and city staff with the work they do.
“We have a group of hardworking guys that have ideas and they’re always quick to put those ideas to use,” Lawrence said. He said while the employees always try to plan things out, the needs of the city don’t always work out according to the plan. With the small amount of staff available, Lawrence said sometimes employees have to drop what they’re doing and help residents and other employees with major tasks. See NHILLS, Page 2